Clearly I think technology has enhanced teaching a great deal, but it has also made it much easier for dishonest (or crafty) students cheat in class. I read this article, which outlined a number of ways schools are working to combat cheating in the classroom. One of the more amusing "fighting back" methods is not allowing students to chew gum during tests as it "could disguise a student speaking into a hands-free cell phone to an accomplice". It seems like many of these are definitely more geared toward large, lecture-based courses in college. If classroom teachers are up and monitoring students during assessments, much of the cheating can be prevented, caught or just discouraged.
It does happen though.
I think some of the best things that all school officials can take from this type of article are resources like turnitin.com, something that is available in my school. Students are required to upload research (and other) papers they have written. Turnitin.com then analyzes it and gives the instructor a report on the percentage of similarity between the students' work and sources online.
From writing answers on scraps of paper to photographing tests for friends, students unfortunately will try to cheat.
- The best thing teachers can do is be vigilant. Students don't want to get in trouble-if they think you'll catch them, they are less likely to cheat.
- Show your students respect. If you can develop a positive relationship with them, and then express disappointment in choices that you don't like, students will make more positive choices.
- During tests, walk around and watch your kids.
- Read what they turn in-don't just 'stamp it' or put a check on it.
How do you combat 'techno-cheating' in your classes?
No comments:
Post a Comment